Center for Bariatric Surgical Specialties Alan Geiss, M.D.

Contact our Long Island, New York center to learn more about the LAP-BAND® System and candidacy for surgery.






Center for Bariatric Surgical Specialties
at Syosset Hospital, the Center for Surgical Specialties, part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System.

221 Jericho Turnpike
Syosset, NY 11791
(516) 714-5431

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Long Island, New York LAP-BAND® System — Surgery Candidates

Achieving success with the LAP-BAND® System involves substantial lifestyle changes, and it is essential that patients are capable of making the long-term adjustments required. To determine candidacy for the surgery, patients must undergo a variety of evaluations performed by our team and other medical specialists. The LAP BAND® System surgeons and staff at our Center for Bariatric Surgical Specialties work with patients every step of the way, from the very first consultation at our practice on Long Island, New York to follow-up care after LAP-BAND® System surgery is complete.

LAP-BAND® System Candidacy Requirements

While LAP-BAND® System surgery can help patients lose significant amounts of weight and experience better overall health, it is important to remember that individuals must meet several qualifications in order to undergo the procedure. The LAP-BAND® System is specifically designed to help morbidly obese patients, not those who wish to lose a few pounds. In order to be considered a candidate for this procedure, patients must meet the following criteria:

A detailed series of evaluations, including physical, nutritional, and psychological assessments, may also be required to determine candidacy. During the initial consultation with a prospective patient, Dr. Geiss and Dr. Powers outline all aspects of the procedure and qualification process. Contact our center on Long Island, New York to discuss the LAP-BAND® System with our surgery team or schedule an appointment. Our staff can answer your questions and discuss the risks and benefits of the LAP-BAND® System, and begin the necessary evaluations to determine your candidacy.

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Factors that Prevent Candidacy

There are several physical and psychological factors that may diminish a patient’s candidacy or preclude him or her from LAP-BAND® System surgery. These include:

In many cases, Dr. Geiss or Dr. Powers can discuss alternative weight loss treatments with patients who do not qualify for LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band surgery. Our team at the Center for Bariatric Surgical Specialties on Long Island, serving New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond, is committed to helping patients lose weight safely and works hard to provide solutions for healthier living.

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Psychological Evaluation

Since obesity is both a medical and behavioral disorder, a psychological evaluation is typically necessary before patients can proceed with the LAP-BAND® System. Prior to surgery, a professional mental health evaluation will be provided by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker in order to assess the patient’s interest, insight, motivation, and ability to comply with our long-term health guidelines after the procedure. The patient will also discuss problem-solving, coping, and behavioral strategies to enhance the outcome of LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band surgery. By setting goals, our patients are better prepared for the lifestyle changes that will be required to maintain successful weight-loss.

Our team on Long Island, New York does more than just perform LAP-BAND® System surgery: we provide the most advanced tools for treating the disease of obesity and guide patients through the struggles and fears of this period of change. Learn more about the psychological evaluation process by contacting us today.

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Physical Evaluation

In addition to the psychological evaluation for LAP-BAND® System surgery, a number of physical factors must also be evaluated to ensure a patient’s body is equipped to handle the physical changes that come with the band itself, as well as the lifestyle adjustments that need to occur after the procedure. Some of these evaluations may include:

Before the procedure can take place, prospective candidates for LAP-BAND® System surgery may be required to consult physicians in these areas of specialty for evaluation.

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Nutritional Evaluation

As part of the initial screening for LAP-BAND® System surgery, a candidate’s eating behaviors and patterns will be assessed. From this assessment, we will help the patient develop a personalized nutrition strategy that will guide him or her during the pre- and post-operative periods, as well as facilitate the lifestyle changes necessary to the success of the procedure. The most important goal is to generate a nutritious diet that will result in safe, healthy weight loss. Nutritional counseling and education will focus on:

LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band surgery by itself will not cause significant weight loss; the procedure is designed as a tool to help in the process. The key to success is long-term compliance with nutritious and healthy dietary changes, coupled with the portion control resulting from the LAP-BAND® System. At our Center for Bariatric Surgical Specialties on Long Island, New York, our staff works with patients before and after LAP-BAND® System surgery, helping them navigate a new life-course, following and assessing their progress, and celebrating their success.

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